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A mere eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were a sign or the reason of the team's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard question to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has just won a ten-match winning streak, they look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus United.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents managed more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club must confront in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers now would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.